Leslie West is arguably one of hard rock's pioneering guitarists. Going back to the late '60s -- when his peers included Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton -- he's had an instantly identifiable style. From his trailblazing work with Mountain through his solo recordings, West and his guitar were a mighty force. He's lost little of his six-string fire on 'Still Climbing.'

Guitarist Leslie West has been around the block more than a few times. From his glory days with Mountain through the powerhouse trio West, Bruce and Lang, West helped create the template for loud hard-rock guitar bands. Taking cues from Cream and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mountain were the right band at the right time as the '60s turned into the 70s. They played Woodstock and became stars.

All hail the mighty guitar riff! With the right one, all things are possible. Mountain stomps onto our Top 100 Classic Rock Songs list with one of the mightiest riffs, as featured on 'Mississippi Queen.'

Former Mountain guitarist Leslie West heroically rolled onto the stage of New York's BB King Blues Club Tuesday night (Jan. 31) to perform in public for the first time since he was forced to have his lower right leg amputated as a result of diabetes complications.

Bertha, Gertrude, Bernice ... these are names one rarely associates with pretty women, but if you keep an open mind you're likely to stumble across a smoking hot Agnes one day. The smartest thing Leslie West did with his duet with Slash is name it 'Mud Flap Mama.' It sets expectations low, which means the song can only surprise us.

After being forced to have his lower right leg amputated as a result of diabetes complications last year, guitar legend Leslie West, 66, was forced to cancel a tour -- not because he was unable to perform, but because he didn't have transportation equipped for a wheelchair.

Drugs and women are a double edged sword for rock fans. No two topics inspire more great rock and roll songs, but sadly no two topics destroy more great rock bands. Mountain lead singer Leslie West says both led to an early demise for the 'Mississippi Queen' rockers.

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